Devices and methods for conduit distention

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods are disclosed that provide a syringe actuator device for use in the distention and irrigation of a body conduit before the use in a medical procedure such as a coronary bypass graft procedure. The device can be retrofit to a syringe by attaching it to the cap of the plunger and engaged to automatically apply pressure to fluid in the syringe. In some embodiments, elastic bands attached to the device are easily engaged or removed from a syringe during a procedure to limit the pressure on the syringe to various levels. The device may be overridden by an operator pushing on the plunger of the syringe as in normal syringe operation.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/860,020, filed Apr. 27, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/838,602, filed Apr. 25, 2019. Theentirety of each of these patent applications are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and devices forpressurizing bodily tissue and, more particularly to methods and devicesfor pressurizing a venous or arterial conduit.

BACKGROUND

The Injection of fluid under pressure is commonly performed in medicineand surgery. Pressurized fluid is injected into bodily tissue, anatomicorgans, blood vessels, ducts, and other tubular structures within thepatient, as well as various medical devices. For example, pressurizedfluid may be injected into a venous or arterial conduit harvested from apatient for use as a bypass graft to identify potential areas of leakagedue to un-ligated branches, perforation sites, or attenuated wall.Pressurized fluid may be injected into the ureter for its identificationand localization during open abdominal surgery or laparoscopic surgery.

Pressurized fluid may be injected into the external auditory canalduring routine diagnostic examination or examination of an inner earinfection. Pressurized fluid may be injected into a balloon catheterused for arterial embolectomy or venous thrombectomy. In all of thesesituations, over-pressurization with fluid may cause trauma or injury tobody tissue or structures. In the case of a coronary bypass conduitharvested from the patient, over-pressurization may have severeconsequences such as graft failure, with resultant myocardial infarctionand even death. Fluid injection devices with pressure limitation havebeen previously described. Some of these devices contain pressure reliefvalves that vent pressurized fluid outside the of the injection deviceat a predetermined pressure. Other devices may contain an elasticreservoir, such as a balloon, in fluid communication with the syringe.The elastic reservoir expands or balloons out when the pressure in thesyringe exceeds a specific value to limit the applied pressure. In suchdesigns, it is difficult or impossible to provide injection pressureexceeding the level set by the elasticity of the balloon.

Conventional pressure-limiting syringes can involve complicated devicesand mechanisms that may be expensive; these injection devices provide aninjection pressure that is set to a pre-determined level, above thatlevel, the injection fluid is either displaced or vented to maintain thepreset value. However, in clinical practice, it is often desirable toexert an injection pressure into a body structure or a medical devicethat slightly exceeds the preset pressure of the pressure-limitinginjection device. Slight over-pressurization may be required foranatomic situations that may vary from patient to patient. For example,during the preparation of a vein graft for coronary bypass, one patientmay have veins that exhibit less compliance than normally encountereddue to increased vein wall thickness. The clinician may wish to modulatethe injection pressure by providing a pressure slightly higher than thepreset level of the device. The ability to modulate the injectionpressure while providing tactile feedback of the degree of increasedpressure is of clinical importance, to achieve adequate vein distentionwithout vessel over-inflation and barotrauma. Thus, there is a need fora simple, low-cost device that provides the application of pressure to aconduit while having the option for manual override.

SUMMARY

Broadly, the invention provides a novel syringe actuator device with fewparts that can be retrofitted onto a standard syringe or manufactured aspart of a syringe. According to some embodiments, the device comprises acap having a proximal end and a distal end, a recess in the distal endof the cap, the recess capable of securing onto a plunger flange of asyringe. The device may be retained on the syringe solely by theconnection between the plunger flange and the recess. The devicecomprises at least one elastic band connected to the cap such that theelastic band is capable of connecting to a barrel flange of the syringeto apply a force between the cap and the barrel flange.

Optionally, the device is capable of fitting onto the plunger flange byan interference fit or being restrained by a rim disposed inside of therecess for capturing the plunger flange. The elastic band may comprisesa first elastic band connected to a first side of the cap and a secondelastic band connected to an opposite side of the cap, and each elasticband may be individually attached to the barrel flange to applydifferent forces to the plunger flange. Optionally, the device may bemade as a unitary part that may be made by injection molding, and it maybe made of a thermoplastic elastomer.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there isprovided a method for preparing a conduit. The order of operations inthe following methods may vary from the order described, as the stepsmay be performed in a different order while remaining within the scopeof the invention. The method comprises providing a syringe actuatorhaving a cap and elastic bands for providing hands-free pressurizationof a syringe. Attaching the cap to a plunger flange of a syringe andfilling the syringe with fluid, connecting the syringe to a stopcock anda vein cannula, and attaching at least one elastic band to the barrelflange of the syringe to apply pressure to the fluid in the syringe. Astopcock may be opened to flush the conduit, followed by tying orclipping branches of the conduit that are leaking, placing a soft clampon the distal end of the conduit, and removing the elastic band from thebarrel flange while keeping the cap attached to the plunger flange.Next, the syringe may be refilled and the stopcock closed followed byattaching at least one elastic band to the barrel flange, and then tyingor clipping branches that are leaking.

Optionally, pressure applied by the elastic band may be overridden bypressing on the cap. Next the elastic band may be removed from thebarrel flange so that the syringe may be filled again. Next, one elasticband is attached to the barrel flange so that the conduit may be allowedto completely distend under low pressure.

Optionally, the cap may be fitted onto the plunger flange by aninterference fit, or alternatively, the cap may have a rim disposedinside of the recess for capturing the plunger flange. The elastic bandcomprises a first elastic band connected to a first side of the cap anda second elastic band connected to an opposite side of the cap. Eachelastic band may be individually attached to the barrel flange to applydifferent forces to the plunger flange.

Another method for preparing a conduit is provided, which includes usinga syringe having built-in elastic bands. First, providing a syringehaving a plunger flange and a barrel flange, wherein the plunger flangehas at least one elastic band permanently attached. The syringe may befilled with fluid and connected to a stopcock and a vein cannula beforeattaching the at least one elastic band to the barrel flange of thesyringe to apply pressure to the fluid in the syringe. The stopcock maybe opened to flush the conduit, followed by tying or clipping branchesof the conduit that are leaking. A soft clamp may be placed on thedistal end of the conduit before removing an elastic band from thebarrel flange and refilling the syringe and closing the stopcock sofluid does not expel from the syringe. One or more elastic bands may beattached to the barrel flange, followed by, again, tying or clippingbranches that may be leaking.

Optionally, the pressure applied by the elastic band may be overriddenby pressing on the cap. The elastic bands may be removed from the barrelso that the syringe may be refilled. Finally, one elastic band may beattached to the barrel flange to allow the conduit to completely distendunder the relatively low pressure applied by one band. The plungerflange may comprise a first elastic band connected to a first side ofthe plunger flange and a second elastic band connected to an oppositeside of the plunger flange; each elastic band may be individuallyattached to the barrel flange to apply different forces to the plungerflange. Optionally, the plunger flange and the elastic band may be madeas one unitary part, which may be made by injection molding, or theelastic band may be overmolded with the plunger flange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of example embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary conduit distention system.

FIG. 2A shows an embodiment of a syringe actuator having four elasticbands.

FIG. 2B shows an embodiment of a syringe actuator having two elasticbands.

FIG. 2C shows an embodiment of a syringe actuator having one elasticband.

FIG. 2D shows a section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a section view of a fourth embodiment of a syringeactuator.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of an embodiment of a syringe actuator.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C shows an assembled view of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and4B.

FIG. 4D shows an embodiment of a syringe having elastic band connectionson a plunger.

FIG. 4E shows an embodiment of a syringe having elastic band connectionson a plunger.

FIG. 4F shows an embodiment of a syringe having elastic band connectionson a barrel flange.

FIG. 4G shows an embodiment of a syringe having elastic band connectionson a barrel flange.

FIG. 5A shows a syringe actuator being attached to a syringe.

FIG. 5B shows the syringe actuator of FIG. 5A attached to a syringe.

FIG. 5C shows a syringe actuator of FIG. 5A with two elastic bandsengaged.

FIG. 6A shows a syringe actuator attached to a syringe with four bandsengaged.

FIG. 6B shows a syringe actuator attached to a syringe with a forceoverride applied to the plunger cap.

FIG. 6C shows a conduit distention system with a force override appliedto the syringe actuator.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a conduit distention system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for preparing aharvested vein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of example embodiments follows.

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, which show some, but not all of the disclosed embodiments.While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the inventionencompassed by the appended claims. Furthermore, while severalembodiments are described, the scope of the embodiments should not beconstrued to be limited to those set forth herein.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “proximal” and “distal”are used with reference to the device, that is, “proximal” denotes theregion near the plunger of a syringe and “distal” denotes the of theregion away from the handle toward and beyond the tip of the syringe.

The embodiments disclosed generally describe a syringe actuator thatprovides hands-free operation of a syringe with override ability andmultiple force levels of force adjustment for precise control of fluidflow and pressure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a typical conduit distention and irrigation systemis shown for context. The main components of the system 1 are a syringe2, a stopcock 12 (one-way), and a cannula 16, though additionalcomponents and connectors are used in such procedures, and customizationis typical. For example, some operators do not use a stopcock 12 in someprocedures. The syringe 2 is a typical disposable syringe which may haveany fluid volume capacity; for example, a fluid capacity of 20 cc iscommon in conduit distention procedures such as in saphenous vein graftpreparation for cardiovascular bypass procedures. The syringe includes aplunger 5 with an attached plunger flange 4 at the proximal end, apiston 8 attached to the distal end of the plunger 5, and a barrel 9having a barrel flange 6 at the proximal end of the barrel 9.

FIGS. 2A-2D show various embodiments of a syringe actuator that iscapable of attaching to a standard syringe plunger flange via a recessin the cap of the syringe actuator. These embodiments may have multipleelastic bands to titrate the force applied to the syringe. For example,the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A is a syringe actuator 21 which has fourelastic bands attached to a plunger cap 22: first elastic band 35 andsecond elastic band 36 are disposed on opposite sides of the plunger cap22, while the third elastic band 37, and fourth elastic band 38 aredisposed on opposite sides of the third elastic band 37. The elasticbands 35, 36, 37, and 38, are capable of attaching to a barrel flange ofa syringe by being hooked over the barrel flange. The bands may be sizedsuch that their free, unloaded length is shorter than the maximaldistance between the plunger flange and barrel flange when the syringeis full. Thus, when the syringe is filled with some level of fluid, thebands are deformed in tension which causes them to apply a force betweenthe plunger flange and the barrel flange, thus increasing the pressureon the fluid in the syringe. Even when the bands are engaged, theoperator may still apply force to the plunger cap manually to overridethe applied pressure when desired. The operation of syringe actuatorembodiments is described in more detail below.

This arrangement, having multiple elastic bands, allows the medicaloperator to titrate the level of pressure by attaching differentcombinations of bands; the system is “pressure limiting.” Once the bandsare in place, the syringe can be left “hands-off,” enabling the operatorto perform other aspects of a procedure concurrently. For example, forpreparation of a vein graft for coronary bypass, an operator mayinitially desire to apply a pressure of 90 mmHg to examine the graft forleaks, and if the particular graft requires more pressure, he or she maywish to apply higher pressures, so he or she may apply pressuremanually. In some cases, the pressure applied by the syringe actuator isrecommended to not exceed 270 mmHg for example, because pressures atthis level may incur risks such as breaching the wall of the graft. Asno two vessels are alike with regard to their wall thickness andpotential wall breaches (leaks), their ability to withstand appliedfluidic pressure varies. Therefore, the operator may apply the firstelastic band 35 which provides a force equating to 90 mmHg of fluidpressure, and then apply the second elastic band 36, which also providesa force equating to another 90 mmHg, resulting in 180 mmHg of appliedpressure. If more pressure is desired, the third elastic band 37 may beapplied, which may be capable of applying 90 mmHg alone, resulting in atotal of 270 mmHg. Finally, the fourth elastic band 38 may be capable ofapplying 90 mmHg alone and may be added to increase the applied pressureto 360 mmHg.

Thus, many levels of pressure may be applied depending on the operator'sneeds. The elastic bands may each have the same stiffness curve, andhence the same maximum pressure when applied individually, or they maybe capable of applying different pressures when individually applied,thus changing the increments of pressure available to the operator. Forexample, the first elastic band 35 and the second elastic band 36 mayeach be capable of applying 45 mmHg of pressure so that when appliedtogether they result in 90 mmHg of applied pressure. Next, the thirdelastic band 37 and the fourth elastic band 38 may each be capable of 90mmHg, so that the operator has two additional levels at his or her avail(180 mm Hg and 270 mmHg) beyond the initial 90 mmHg applied by the firsttwo elastic bands. The bands may be applied in any order so that themany combinations are available that can produce many different pressureincrements. In general, the operator may apply manual override pressureregardless of the number of bands in use, and hence pressure level,allowing him or her to more precisely test the conduit.

One skilled in the art would recognize that the amount of force appliedto the plunger by an elastic element in tension is proportional tovarious factors that can be tuned to provide the desired pressure in asyringe. Thus, for a given material, the length and thickness of theband may be sized to achieve a particular force at a given fluid levelin the syringe. For example, a typical 20 cc syringe may be filled tothe maximum graduation on the syringe (20 ml) which results in adisplacement of the plunger flange with respect to the barrel flange. Aband may be sized so that when the syringe is empty, the band has notension and when the syringe is filled to 20 ml, the band stretches intension to a degree that it applies a force to the plunger cap whichresults in 90 mmHg of pressure in the fluid in the syringe. In otherembodiments, a band may be sized such that it is preloaded with a finitetension when the syringe is empty so that it stays on the plunger flangewhile still providing the required maximal force when the syringe isfilled.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment of a syringe actuator 41 havingtwo elastic bands, a first elastic band 45 and a second elastic band 46attached to a syringe cap 42, which, as described above, the bands mayhave the same or differing stiffnesses. This embodiment provides for twolevels of hands-free pressure in addition to the capability for anoverride. In some embodiments, a single band may be attached to thesyringe cap 52 as shown in the syringe actuator 51 in FIG. 2C, thusproviding one level of pressure when the elastic band 55 is attached tothe plunger flange.

The syringe actuators disclosed herein may be easily attached to thesyringe at any time during the procedure, and the bands may be easilyattached and released by the operator as needed during the procedurewithout interfering with the workflow. FIG. 2D shows a cross-sectionalview of the syringe actuator 21 embodiment shown in FIG. 2A illustratingthe flange section 26 where the plunger flange (not shown) may residewhen the syringe actuator 21 is attached to the syringe (not shown). Thediameter of the flange section 26 may be the same size as the plungerflange, or it may be slightly larger (loose fit) or slightly smaller(interference fit). In general, a rim 24 (lip) may be provided whichcaptures the plunger flange such that the syringe actuator 21 or the rim24 deform to allow the plunger flange to seat into the flange section 26where the plunger flange will be captive. This allows the syringeactuator 21 to stay attached to the syringe without relying on thetension of any of the elastic bands 35, 36, 37, or 38 to keep thesyringe actuator 21 in place so that the plunger may be manipulated orextended, for example when filling the syringe, without the added forceof the bands. The operator may quickly and easily seat the syringeactuator 21 onto the plunger, for example, by applying thumb pressure tothe plunger cap 22. Once attached, the syringe actuator 21 may remainattached, but out of the way of the operator until it is employed toapply pressure. In some embodiments, the rim may not extend throughoutthe full inner diameter of the plunger cap 22, that is, it may bediscrete segments.

In other embodiments, the plunger cap may have a thread to engage withthe plunger flange of a syringe. This is possible because in mostsyringe designs, the plunger flange has a thin wall and is round or hasrounded sections that can engage with a female threaded opening. Thus,the operator may secure the plunger cap by twisting, for example with aquarter, half, or full twist to lock the plunger cap into place.

The plunger cap 22 may have a lead-in section 28 to help guide theplunger flange into place so that it may be manipulated past the rim 24easily. Other embodiments may not have a lead-in section, instead therim may be exposed at the bottom of the plunger cap 22 so that theplunger flange can be seated directly inside the rim. One skilled in theart would recognize that there are many types of recess, tabs, orengagement features that could exist on the cap to secure the cap ontothe plunger flange. These and other modifications and permutations arewithin the scope of the inventions disclosed herein.

In embodiments disclosed herein, the plunger cap may remain attached tothe plunger without any other elements, such as bands, holding it inplace. Thus, it is a self-adhering or self-locking cap in that it may besecured without any other assistance. This allows it to stay in place onthe syringe so that the various bands can be applied to titrate pressureas needed and the bands may be removed to reduce pressure or to allowthe syringe to be filled without resistance; in all such scenarios, theplunger cap stays in place so that it is conveniently ready to engage.Furthermore, as the entire syringe actuator resides solely on theplunger cap when not in use, it cannot block or obscure the barrel sothat fluid can be monitored closely. Furthermore, even when the bandsare attached, as they do not extend appreciably beyond the barrelflange, the entire barrel is unobstructed.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment in a similar cross-sectional view asthat shown in FIG. 2D. The syringe actuator 61 of FIG. 3 lacks a rim,but the syringe cap 62 has an inner surface 68 with a diameterdesignated by “d” that is sized to grip onto the plunger flange of asyringe. The diameter may be undersized to realize an interference fitwith the flange. For example, a standard 20 ml Becton Dickenson® syringehas a plunger flange with a diameter of about 19.13 mm, so the innersurface 68 of the syringe cap 62 may be undersized in diameter byanywhere from fractions of a millimeter or even up to a millimeter orbeyond depending on the material composition of the syringe cap 62. Oneskilled in the art would recognize that more compliant may be undersizedmore than stiffer materials and provide a similar insertion force forapplying the syringe cap 62 onto a plunger flange.

The aforementioned embodiments may be fabricated as a unitary componentsuch as, by way of nonlimiting example, by injection molding,compression molding, transfer molding, or silicone molding via HCR (highconsistency rubber) molding or LSR (liquid silicone rubber) molding. Insuch cases, the material may be chosen so that the bands can be sized toachieve the required elasticity to provide the desired force and thesyringe cap can be sized so that it is capable of attaching to theplunger flange with reasonable force. In some embodiments, the bands maybe a different material from the cap, for example, if the cap is harderor stiffer than the elastic bands. In such cases, the bands may beattached to the cap via slots, grooves, or tabs or they may beovermolded with the cap.

The bands may be made of an elastic material such as a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE), rubber, silicone, or polyurethane by way of nonlimitingexample. In embodiments that are manufactured as a unitary component,the syringe cap is made of the same material as the bands. In otherembodiments where the syringe cap is made separately or the bands areovermolded, the cap may be made of a more rigid material such as athermoset or a thermoplastic; candidate materials include but are notlimited to polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Nylon, or PEEK.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the elastic bands may be madeintegral to the syringe, such that the cap is not required. That is, insome embodiments, the elastic bands may be molded as part of theplunger, the plunger flange, or the barrel flange or molded connectedwith other parts of the syringe. Similarly, in other embodiments, theelastic bands may be overmolded along with the plunger, the plungerflange, or other regions of the syringe. Overmolding may be beneficialbecause the material attributes of the syringe materials could beretained (stiffness, low cost, etc.) while the necessary materialproperties (e.g., elasticity) of the elastic bands could also beretained. In these embodiments, the operator may use the syringe in asimilar manner, having access provided, on the syringe, to one or moreattached elastic bands that may be engaged and disengaged throughout aprocedure to pressurize the fluid in the syringe. For example, the bandsmay be permanently attached to the plunger flange (instead of through acap) in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 5B so that they attach tothe barrel flange when needed; the barrel flange may have hooks or slotsto positively retain the elastic bands while allowing them to beremoved. Conversely, the elastic bands may be permanently attached tothe barrel flange bands may be permanently attached to the plungerflange (instead of through a cap) in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 5B so that they may be attached to the plunger flange when needed;the plunger flange may have hooks or slots to positively retain theelastic bands while allowing them to be removed.

Another embodiment of a syringe actuator 71 having bands that areseparate from the syringe cap 72 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. FIG. 4A is aside view of a syringe cap 72 having a slit 78 in a top surface 77 forcapturing one or more bands. The slit 78 has a base 80 that may berelatively wider than the slit 78 so that bands (not shown) will tend tobe captured once placed through the slit 78. In embodiments where thebase 80 is not wider than the slit 78, the bands may still stay in placeif the slit 78 is undersized compared to the width of the band, or ifthe bands are under tension. Significantly, if the bands are captured,they will not fall off while the operator handles the syringe actuator71 (FIG. 4C) which may disrupt the operator's focus and the proceduralflow. As shown in FIG. 4B, the slit 78 may traverse across the topsurface 77 entirely from edge-to-edge. One skilled in the art wouldrecognize that there are other locations on a syringe cap for attachingbands; for example, the slits may be located on the sides of the syringecap or there may be hooks or catches on the sides of the syringe cap forengaging with one or more bands.

In FIG. 4C, the syringe actuator 71 is shown with elastic bands 75attached to the barrel flange 6 of a syringe barrel 9. The elastic bands75 are captured in the base 80 of the slit 78 which is centrally locatedin the syringe cap 72. This central location allows the bands 75 to beoriented at an angle “z” so that they pull away from the outer edge 6 aof the barrel flange 6, thus tending to hold the bands 75 in place onthe barrel flange 6. The aforementioned embodiments (FIGS. 2A-3 ) mayalso have centrally located band attachments similar to the syringe cap72, that is the bands may be molded or overmolded such that they arecentrally located on the syringe cap to achieve an angle with respect tothe barrel flange 6.

As described above for previous embodiments, the bands 75 shown in FIG.4C, but also disclosed but not shown in FIGS. 4D-4G and otherembodiments throughout this disclosure, may be made of an elasticmaterial such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), rubber, silicone, orpolyurethane by way of nonlimiting example. The syringe cap 72 may bemade of the same material as the bands 75 or it may be made of a morerigid material such as a thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer;some examples include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, Nylon, or PEEK

In other embodiments, similar band engagement features as those shown inFIGS. 4A-4C may be incorporated directly into a syringe, as shown inFIGS. 4D-4F which show top portions of syringes with different bandengagement features. The syringe 81 of FIG. 4D has notches 82 in theplunger flange 83 to engage with bands (not shown) in a similar fashionto the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C. The notches 82 may be simple cutoutsor hooked features shaped into the plunger flange 83. Flat features(cutouts) such as the notches 82 preserve the flatness of the plungerflange 83 so that the operator does not feel the notches 82. Each notch82 may have a narrow entry point to capture the bands more positively sothat the bands may remain connected even when removed from the barrelflange 84. The syringe 85 (FIG. 4E) has hooks 86 protruding out of theplunger flange 87 to grasp elastic bands (not shown). The hooks 86 maybe low-profile so as not to disrupt the surface when the operatorpresses on the plunger flange 87 to override the elastic bands, or thehooks 86 may be placed on the underside of the plunger flange 87 so thatthey cannot be felt. Each hook 86 may have a gap 89 that is narrow sothat one or more elastic bands stay captively attached to the plungerflange 87 so that they are available to be attached to the barrel flange88 when needed.

Additionally or alternatively, band engagement features may be locatedon the barrel flange as shown in FIGS. 4F and 4G. The barrel flange 93of syringe actuator 90 (FIG. 4F) has notches 91 paired on each side ofthe barrel flange 93 to secure one or more bands on each side of thebarrel flange 93. Each notch 91 may have a narrow entry point to capturethe bands more positively so that the bands may remain connected evenwhen removed from the plunger flange 92, that is, the bands (not shown)may be held in place on the barrel flange 93 and held free until theyare needed, at which time they may be attached to the plunger flange 92which may have features similar to those shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E forengagement with bands. Finally, FIG. 4G shows an embodiment of a syringeactuator 94 having hooks 95 on the barrel flange 97. The hooks 95 mayhave gaps 98 that are narrow so that one or more elastic bands staycaptively attached to the barrel flange 97 so that they are available tobe attached to the plunger flange 96 when needed. It is within the scopeof this disclosure that the notches and hooks shown in FIGS. 4D-4F maybe on the upper, lower, or edge of the barrel flange or plunger flange.It is also within the scope of this disclosure that both the plungerflange and the barrel flange may have various features for engaging withbands. Furthermore, the syringe may be supplied to the operator in thepackage with the elastic bands already attached so that they are readyto use when opened in the surgical suite.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the elastic bands may be madeintegral to the syringe, such that attachment features are not required.That is, in some embodiments, the elastic bands may be molded as part ofthe plunger, the plunger flange, or the barrel flange or moldedconnected with other parts of the syringe. Similarly, in otherembodiments, the elastic bands may be overmolded along with the plunger,the plunger flange, or other regions of the syringe. In theseembodiments, the operator would use the syringe in a similar manner,having access provided, on the syringe, to one or more attached elasticbands that may be engaged and disengaged throughout a procedure topressurize the fluid in the syringe.

Various embodiments of a method or technique to employ a syringeactuator in the context of the preparation of a coronary bypass conduitharvested from a patient will now be described. The systems, devices,and methods described can be used to assist in flushing harvestedvessels and in diagnosing and repairing vessel leaks in the vessels.However, the methods and devices described herein may be applicable toother applications where conduits are treated in similar ways. The orderof steps and components described herein is for illustrative purposesonly and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention(s), asvarious alternative combinations or permutations of the sequence ofsteps are contemplated.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the application of the syringe actuator 21 to asyringe 2. In FIG. 5A, the syringe actuator 21 is placed down, indicatedby arrow 10, where it engages with the plunger flange 4 as describedabove. In FIG. 5B, the syringe actuator 21 is attached to the syringe 2while the elastic bands 35, 36, 37, and 38 are unengaged but not loosesuch that they can fall off or otherwise disrupt the procedure, that isthey are constrained to the plunger cap 22 and remain ready to beapplied when the operator is ready to engage them. Having additionalcomponents laying around in the limited space of a sterile surgicalfield, such as loose bands, may distract the operator from focusing onthe critical task at hand—preparing the conduit. When the operatorengages the syringe actuator 21, with two of the bands 35 and 36 asshown in FIG. 5C, a force is applied to the plunger flange, and thefluid is pressurized by an amount set by the elasticity of the bands 35and 36. The piston 8 will translate along the barrel 9 if there is nofluid blocking element, such as a stopcock, in place, but if the fluidflow is blocked by a stopcock or a clamped conduit, the pressure in thefluid will rise. In between these states are the leaking conduitscenarios where the pressure rises resulting in some displacement of thepiston 8 and the fluid. Precise manual control of the procedure may berequired wherein the operator adjusts a stopcock, the bands, and theoverride pressure iteratively while monitoring the piston, fluid flow,and leaks, as described in more detail below.

During the examination of a conduit, it is important for the operator tosee small movements of fluid in the barrel 9 to discern leaks; a clear,unobstructed, barrel 9 allows the operator to see the fluid move withrespect to the graduations on the barrel 9. It is notable that, when asyringe is at least partially filled with fluid, the bands 35, 36, 37,and 38 do not extend appreciably beyond the barrel flange 6; this leavesthe barrel 9 unobstructed so that the operator can see the fluid and thevolume markings on the barrel 9. Furthermore, in embodiments, thesyringe actuator, including the elastic bands, does not touch the tip ofthe syringe in any way so that it does not interfere with attachments,such as a stopcock, that may be attached and removed frequently duringthe procedure during syringe refill, for example. Conversely, thesyringe actuator 21 does not need to be removed when the syringe 2 isfilled, or when syringe attachments are changed, because the bands 35and 36 may be left engaged entirely, or they may be removed from thebarrel flange 6 and they will stay in place because they are attached tothe plunger cap 22.

FIGS. 6A-6C show the syringe actuator 21 with all four bands 35, 36, 37,and 38 configured to apply maximum pressure. In some cases, the operatormay desire to add incrementally more pressure while working on aconduit; in this case the operator may override the pressure by applyinga force to the plunger cap 22 as illustrated by the force arrow 11 inFIG. 6B which shows the piston 8 extending further down the barrel 9.FIG. 6C shows the syringe actuator 21 in the context of a conduitdistention system 1 having a syringe 2, stopcock 12, cannula 16, and avein 18 with a soft clamp 13 at the distal end. Thus, the operator mayoverride the syringe actuator to incrementally assess the vein 18 forleaks while perceiving feedback from the syringe. The various syringeactuator embodiments preserve the ability for the operator to use manualoverride and feel concomitant tactile feedback pressure when needed.

As part of a cardiovascular bypass procedure, a segment of the saphenousvein, of the required length, is removed from the body and prepared onthe sterile field for implantation as a graft into the heart. Onceremoved, the vein is attached to a cannula and syringe system forflushing with fluid (typically saline) and leak diagnosis in what is agenerally iterative process to find and repair leaks. FIG. 7 shows aconduit distention system 1 with an attached syringe actuator 41 and anattached vein 18 (conduit) for reference. Although the elastic bands 45and 46 are shown attached to the barrel flange 6 in FIG. 7 , this figureis only for reference in describing the procedure, and the bands may bein various states of attachment throughout the procedure. Referring tothe flowchart in FIG. 8 , in step 100, the syringe actuator 41 isattached to the plunger flange (not shown), leaving the elastic bands 45and 46 loose; thus, the elastic bands 45 and 46 are attached to thesyringe 2 and ready for use. Next, the syringe is filled with fluid to20 cc (step 101), and the syringe 2 is connected to the vein cannula(step 102) (for example, using a suture 17). In some embodiments,depending on operator preference and technique, the conduit distentionsystem 1 has a stopcock 12 (e.g., a stopcock) attached distally to thesyringe 2 to enable more fine control.

Next, the stopcock 12 is opened to begin automatically flushing theconduit (step 103). The stopcock 12 may be adjusted to control theamount of flow that is used to flush the vein 18 and to help to identifybranches to clip or tie. This initial flush may be conducted by pressingthe syringe by hand or by attaching the elastic bands 45 and 46. Next,the branches are tied or clipped (step 104), and if there is too muchfluid escaping from the branches or end of vein 18, the rate of fluidflow may be reduced by adjusting the stopcock 12.

When the syringe 2 becomes empty, it is refilled to 20 cc and thestopcock 12 is locked (step 105). Next, the first elastic band 45 andsecond elastic band 46 may be placed onto the barrel flange 6 (step106). Repeating back to step 103, the syringe 2 may be connected, withthe stopcock 12, to the vein cannula 16, and the stopcock 12 may beopened to continue automatically flushing the vein 18 (step 103) whiletying or clipping branches (step 104). Again, the stopcock 12 may beadjusted to control the amount of flow used to flush the vein 18 and toidentify branches to clip or tie.

When the vein 18 is completely flushed, a soft clamp 13 may be placed onthe distal end of vein 18 (step 107) to block flushing out of the distalend of the vein (18). Next, the syringe may be refilled to 20 cc (step108) and the closed stopcock attached to prevent flow, both elasticbands 45 and 46 may be attached over the barrel flange 6 (step 109), andthe vein 18 may be connected to the cannula 16 at which point thestopcock 12 may be fully opened (step 110). This will cause the vein 18to begin to gently distend at which point the operator may continuetying or clipping all branches (step 111) and continuing to fill thesyringe 2 with fluid as needed to completely distend the vein 18 (step112).

If there is a section of vein 18 that is not distending, the vein 18 maybe set off to the side to allow it to gently fully distend at a maximumpressure of 180 mmHg, for example, or the operator may gently overridethe pressure with his or her thumb to distend the section (step 113).This typically does not take much additional pressure and the operatormay rely on tactile and visual feedback while performing this step.

When vein 18 appears completely distended, the syringe 2 is filled to 20cc, reattached, and the plunger 5 examined for movement (step 114). Ifthe plunger 5 moves and fluid is still emptying into the vein 18, thevein 18 may be placed on a towel and examined for areas that are gettingmoist on the towel to find a branch or hole in the vein 18 to repair(step 115).

If there is a repair stitch needed, one or both elastic bands 45 and 46may be applied to flush fluid the hole to assist in identifying andrepairing the hole (step 116); the attached bands 45 and 46 eliminatethe need to have an additional person distend the vein while it is beingrepaired and the operator is free to adjust the stopcock to control theflow through the hole to assist in making the repair.

Finally, a soft clamp 13 may be left on the vein 18, and one elasticband 45 may be attached to the barrel flange 6 and the conduitdistention system 1 may be set aside allowing the vein 18 to completelydistend under low pressure as summarized in step 117.

While the method illustrated above was described with reference to theembodiments having the elastic bands attached to the plunger cap, themethod can also be performed using other embodiments, such as that shownin FIGS. 4D-4F which are embodiments having the elastic band connectionslocated directly on the flanges of the syringe.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described withreferences to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the scope of the invention(s)encompassed by the appended claims. While the above is a completedescription of the certain embodiments of the invention, variousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents may be used. The variousdevices and method steps of the embodiments disclosed herein may becombined or substituted with one another, and such alternativeembodiments fall within the scope of the claimed invention(s).Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting inscope of the invention(s) which is defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for actuating a syringe, the devicecomprising: a cap having a proximal end and a distal end; a recess inthe distal end of the cap, the recess capable of securing onto a plungerflange of a syringe whereby the device is retained on the syringe solelyby the connection between the plunger flange and the recess; and atleast one elastic band connected to the cap, the elastic band capable ofconnecting to a barrel flange of the syringe to apply a force betweenthe cap and the barrel flange.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the capis capable of fitting onto the plunger flange by an interference fit. 3.The device of claim 1, further comprising a rim disposed inside of therecess for capturing the plunger flange.
 4. The device of claim 1,wherein the at least one elastic band comprises a first elastic bandconnected to a first side of the cap and a second elastic band connectedto an opposite side of the cap, and wherein each elastic band may beindividually attached to the barrel flange to apply different forces tothe plunger flange.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap and the atleast one elastic band are made as one unitary part.
 6. The device ofclaim 5, wherein the unitary part is made by injection molding.
 7. Thedevice of claim 6 wherein the unitary part is made of a thermoplasticelastomer.
 8. A method for preparing a conduit, the method comprising:providing the device of claim 1; attaching the cap to a plunger flangeof a syringe; filling the syringe with fluid; connecting the syringe toa stopcock and a vein cannula; attaching at least one elastic band tothe barrel flange of the syringe to apply pressure to the fluid in thesyringe; opening the stopcock to flush the conduit; tying or clippingbranches of the conduit that are leaking; placing a soft clamp on thedistal end of the conduit; removing the at least one elastic band fromthe barrel flange while keeping the cap attached to the plunger flange;refilling the syringe and closing the stopcock; attaching at least oneelastic band to the barrel flange; and tying or clipping branches thatare leaking.
 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of:overriding the pressure applied by the elastic band by pressing on thecap; removing the at least one elastic band from the barrel flange;refilling the syringe; attaching one elastic band to the barrel flange;and allowing the conduit to completely distend under low pressure. 10.The method of claim 8, wherein the cap is capable of fitting onto theplunger flange by an interference fit.
 11. The method of claim 8,wherein the cap further comprises a rim disposed inside of the recessfor capturing the plunger flange.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein theat least one elastic band comprises a first elastic band connected to afirst side of the cap and a second elastic band connected to an oppositeside of the cap, and wherein each elastic band may be individuallyattached to the barrel flange to apply different forces to the plungerflange.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the cap and the at least oneelastic band are made as one unitary part.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the unitary part is made by injection molding.
 15. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the unitary part is made of a thermoplastic elastomer.16. A method for preparing a conduit, the method comprising: providing asyringe having a plunger flange and a barrel flange, wherein the plungerflange has at least one elastic band permanently attached; filling thesyringe with fluid; connecting the syringe to a stopcock and a veincannula; attaching the at least one elastic band to the barrel flange ofthe syringe to apply pressure to the fluid in the syringe; opening thestopcock to flush the conduit; tying or clipping branches of the conduitthat are leaking; placing a soft clamp on the distal end of the conduit;removing the at least one elastic band from the barrel flange; refillingthe syringe and closing the stopcock; attaching at least one elasticband to the barrel flange; and tying or clipping branches that areleaking.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of:overriding the pressure applied by the elastic band by pressing on thecap; removing the at least one elastic band from the barrel flange;refilling the syringe; attaching one elastic band to the barrel flange;and allowing the conduit to completely distend under low pressure. 18.The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one elastic band comprisesa first elastic band connected to a first side of the plunger flange anda second elastic band connected to an opposite side of the plungerflange, and wherein each elastic band may be individually attached tothe barrel flange to apply different forces to the plunger flange. 19.The method of claim 16, wherein the plunger flange and the at least oneelastic band are made as one unitary part.
 20. The method of claim 20,wherein the unitary part is made by injection molding.
 21. The method ofclaim 16 wherein the at least one elastic band is overmolded with theplunger flange.